Blanche offered a faint smile as she followed Vilaphine, her mind turning over the elf's words. Ruka trailed behind, her greenish hair brushing against her face as she glanced back at Yuxin.
"She's... complicated," Ruka whispered.
Yuxin snorted, rolling her eyes. "That's one way to put it."
Despite Vila's curt answers, the group pressed on, each carrying their own thoughts about the mysterious guardian of Myrdvawein. The group moved deeper into the forest, the trees growing denser as the air filled with the faint hum of unseen life. Blanche, ever observant, noticed Vila's deliberate pace—each step purposeful, each glance marking a path only she seemed to understand.
Breaking the silence, Blanche spoke again, her tone gentle but insistent. "Vilaphine, I understand you might not trust us yet. But if we're to work together, it would help if we knew why you bear this responsibility alone."
Vila paused, turning to face them. Her dagger glinted faintly as she leaned it against her side, her expression as stoic as ever. "It's not a matter of choice. My people are gone. What remains is this forest—and me."
Ruka's voice was barely above a whisper. "What happened to them?"
Vila's gaze grew distant, her eyes fixed on the forest around them. "Humans. Traders seek profit. Hunters seek trophies. Some seek lust, while some have greed. They came, took what they wanted, and left ruin in their wake."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, and for once, even Yuxin stayed quiet.
"They didn't see us as people," Vila continued, her tone flat but edged with something deeper. "To them, we were just a part of their curiosities. Trinkets to be bought, sold, and displayed. When they were done, nothing was left."
Blanche frowned, her heart sinking at the starkness of Vila's explanation. "And no one tried to stop them?"
Vila's lips pressed into a thin line. "Some did. They were the first to die."
Yuxin broke the silence, her voice unusually subdued. "So you're saying this whole place is... what, a memorial?"
"In a way," Vila replied, her gaze sharp. "This forest is all that remains of their legacy. Every tree, every shadow carries their memory. I stay because it's the only way to ensure they're not forgotten."
Blanche stepped forward, her voice steady. "You're stronger than most for taking on that burden. But have you ever thought about allowing others to help you?"
Vila's expression hardened slightly. "Help leads to loss. Trust leads to betrayal. I've seen it before, and I won't see it again."
Yuxin crossed her arms, her tone laced with frustration. "Not everyone's like that, you know. Just because some people are awful doesn't mean everyone is."
"Might be, and might be not." Vila said coolly. "But I'm not willing to take that risk."
Blanche tilted her head slightly, studying Vila with a quiet intensity. "What if the risk is worth it? What if opening yourself to others could make your burden lighter—not just for you, but for the forest itself?"
Vila didn't answer immediately, her blond hair catching the faint light as she looked away. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."
"It's because I believe in what you're doing," Blanche replied, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "And I think others would, too, if you gave them the chance."
Vila regarded her silently for a moment before turning and resuming her pace. "If you want to help, keep moving. The forest doesn't care for long discussions."
Blanche smiled faintly, sensing a small crack in Vila's unyielding exterior. Yuxin and Ruka exchanged a glance before following, their steps lighter but their thoughts heavier as they began to understand the depth of Vila's solitude—and the strength it took to endure it.
As they ventured deeper into Myrdvawein, the atmosphere grew thicker with silence, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves. The trees, tall and ancient, seemed to stretch forever, their trunks twisted into intricate patterns. The path underfoot was soft with moss and fallen leaves, and the air held a crisp, earthy scent.
Yuxin, who had been in no hurry to take in the scenery, now found herself stopping in her tracks. "This place…" she murmured, glancing around. "It's like it belongs in a different world."
Ruka, who had been walking beside her, nodded slowly, her eyes wide with quiet awe. "It's... peaceful. Too quiet, though."
Blanche couldn't help but agree. The beauty of Myrdvawein was undeniable, but there was an eerie stillness to it, as if the forest was holding its breath. "It's hard to imagine such a place could be so... empty," she said softly, almost to herself.
Vila, who had been walking ahead of them, glanced over her shoulder. "It's empty because it's been forgotten. The land here is sacred. Few humans have ever seen it, and even fewer have left in one piece as they lay their feet on this place."
Yuxin's lips curled into a smirk. "Well, I don't plan on joining that list anytime soon. This place looks like a ghost town."
Blanche raised an eyebrow, catching Yuxin's tone. "It's more than that. It's beautiful, in a way most people would never appreciate."
"Agreed," Ruka whispered, still taking in the surroundings. "It feels like the forest itself is alive. Like it's watching us."
Vila stopped in her tracks suddenly, turning to face them. "Enough of the sightseeing. If you're going to keep up, follow me. You'll want to see where I live."
Yuxin raised an eyebrow. "You mean you actually have a house? I thought you'd be living in some treehouse or something."
Vila's lips twitched, but her expression remained neutral. "I'm not an animal. Come."
They followed her through a narrow, winding path that led them to a small clearing. And then they saw it—an elegant structure that seemed to have grown organically from the forest itself.
"I built it myself. And, suit yourself.", Vila added.
The house was built into the landscape, with arches of wood and stone that seemed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding trees. Vines wound around its walls, and the structure was open, airy, and graceful, as though it had been sculpted rather than constructed. The roof was crafted from thick, dark leaves, designed to blend into the natural surroundings, while the walls were made of smooth, silvery stone and wood that gave the entire structure a soft, ethereal glow in the dappled sunlight.
Blanche's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "This... this is incredible. It looks like something out of a legend."
Yuxin, who had been expecting a much simpler dwelling, was now speechless, her usual sarcasm gone for once. "I... didn't expect this. It's..." She trailed off, still taking it all in.
Ruka, too, was stunned. "It's so... intricate. Like something you'd see in stories, not a real place."
Vila, without a hint of pride in her voice, said, "It's practical, and it's mine. Come inside if you want to rest. I don't enjoy company, but I don't mind offering shelter for a short time."
As they entered, the interior was just as breathtaking—wooden floors polished to a gleam, soft light filtering through openings in the stone, and beautifully crafted furniture that blended with nature rather than standing apart from it. The scent of herbs and wood filled the air, and there was a feeling of quiet warmth, despite the coolness of the forest outside.
Blanche looked around, her voice quiet with awe. "I never imagined an elf would live in a place like this. It's..." She searched for the right word. "Perfect."
Yuxin, still slightly in shock, muttered, "I feel underdressed for this place. We're in the middle of nowhere, and this looks like something straight out of Fairytale."
Vila gave a small, unamused glance at Yuxin. "If you're going to complain, do it outside."
Blanche smiled, the atmosphere inside calming her restless thoughts. "Thank you, Vilaphine, for letting us in."
Vila said nothing in response, turning to move through the rooms, but her earlier tension seemed to have eased just a fraction. Despite her stoic exterior, there was a silent acceptance of their presence—perhaps even a quiet invitation to understand the forest she protected.
The warm, fragrant tea filled the room with a calming aroma as the group sat around a beautifully carved wooden table. The cups, crafted from smooth stone with delicate engravings, seemed like they belonged to a bygone era. Vila poured the tea with steady hands, her expression as unreadable as ever.
The tea itself had a pale green hue and a faint glow that caught Ruka's attention. "This tea, it feels different. Almost magical," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe.
"It's made from tea leaves unique from Myrdvawein, from these lands, brewed to perfection." Vila replied simply. "You won't find it anywhere else."
Yuxin sniffed her cup cautiously before taking a sip. Her eyebrows shot up. "Huh. Not bad. I was expecting something bitter, but this is... pretty good."
Vila covers her mouth, a faint smirk could be seen under her palm, covering ideas and a scene where she's actually breaking a smile. "If you think elves don't consume sugar, then you're completely mistaken."
Blanche took a careful sip, savoring the taste. "It's remarkable, Vilaphine. Thank you for sharing this with us."
Vila set her teapot down, folding her hands on the table. Her voice was calm as she spoke. "Myrdvawein wasn't always like this—quiet and empty. It used to be alive, vibrant. The forest was more than a home. It was a sanctuary."
Blanche leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "A sanctuary? For your people?"
Vila nodded, her gaze distant. "Every corner of the forest was protected by magic. Spells woven by generations of my tribe. They shielded the trees, the creatures, and us from harm. No outsider could enter unless invited. Myrdvawein was untouchable."
Yuxin tilted her head, resting her chin on her hand. "So, what changed? If this place was so untouchable, how did things... fall apart?"
Vila's expression didn't shift, but her voice grew heavier. "The spells were tied to us—the elves. As long as we lived, the magic remained strong. But when we were hunted, enslaved, and killed, the magic began to weaken. When the last of my tribe died, the protection died with them."
Ruka's eyes widened, her fingers gripping her cup tightly. "That's awful. I can't imagine what that must've been like."
Vila glanced at her, her tone steady but cold. "You can't. And you shouldn't try."
"Things happened really fast, and even so, the casualties… I simply know that humans hunt elves from books, or tales that my parents used to tell me.", Vila added with a small sigh.
Blanche broke the heavy silence that followed, her voice quiet but resolute. "And now you protect it alone. You've taken on the role of guardian."
"Yes," Vila said simply. "Because if I don't, Myrdvawein will disappear completely."
"Just like my people. There must be someone strong, sent from somewhere else, must be formidable by the time I was not looking.", Vila whispered in a low voice, her memories replaying on her head like a broken record.
Yuxin frowned, setting her cup down with a bit more force than necessary. "But why do it alone? You're just one person. There's no shame in asking for help."
Vila's gaze sharpened slightly, though her voice remained calm. "Help is fleeting. Promises are easily broken. Myrdvawein's survival depends on me—not on outsiders who will leave when it's convenient."
Blanche placed a hand on the table, her expression soft but firm. "We're not here to break promises, Vilaphine. We came because we want to understand. And if there's a way to help, we will."
Vila's eyes lingered on Blanche, searching for something unspoken. After a moment, she leaned back slightly. "Understanding doesn't change what's been lost. But if you're sincere, prove it with actions, not words."
Yuxin crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, don't worry. We're pretty good at action."
Vila gave a small, almost imperceptible nod before rising from her seat. "Then finish your tea. If you're serious about helping, there's something you should see."
As the group prepared to follow Vila into the heart of the forest, the weight of her words hung in the air—a reminder of the fragile balance she fought to preserve and the legacy she protected against impossible odds.
The group followed Vilaphine deeper into her home, the delicate scent of Myrdvawein tea still lingering in the air. The serene surroundings did little to lighten the weight of the conversation. But Vila's voice broke the silence once again.
"That person who I thought formidable, one could imagine that they, was sent from another country. I recall that elves were protected here, so I never imagined for the worst case to happen. I was wrong, by any means, I was outside from Myrdvawein back then to hunt and gather herbs.", Vila walked with graceful steps, her voice stoic and half-hearted.
"But assassins, blind to shadows that are darker than them. They're reckless, traces were left everywhere as I found birds telling me how danger had already subsided, and lives were taken from me. I was late.", Despite that strong look, Vila's muscles never flinch.
Bearing regrets for not being able to save her kind, has already been her worst nightmare above all.
Vila stopped in front of a large carved map etched into the smooth wood of the wall. The design was intricate, depicting Myrdvawein as it once was—a sprawling forest, teeming with life and protected by an invisible, magical shield.
"This," Vila began, her voice steady, "is what Myrdvawein used to be."
Blanche, Yuxin, and Ruka moved closer, their eyes scanning the beautiful yet haunting depiction.
"The protective magic," Vila continued, her gaze distant, "wasn't just a barrier. It was alive—a bond forged between the elves and the forest itself. Every tree, every blade of grass was connected to our essence."
Ruka spoke softly, almost hesitant. "So, when your tribe... when they were lost..."
"The magic died with them," Vila said bluntly. "It happened all at once. It faded completely as each life was taken in one swoop. By the time I realized what was happening, they were unsaveable. There was nothing left but me—and this place."
Yuxin frowned, crossing her arms. "But why stay here? You could've left, started over somewhere else. Why chain yourself to this forest?"
Vila's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression as stoic as ever. "This forest is my home. My people are gone, but their memory remains. If I leave, no one will remember them. Myrdvawein would fade into nothingness—just another forgotten tragedy."
Blanche's gaze softened, her voice filled with quiet understanding. "You've kept their memory alive. That's a strength few people have."
Vila's shoulders relaxed slightly, though her tone remained guarded. "Strength or stubbornness—it doesn't matter. What matters is that Myrdvawein still stands, as long as I do."
Yuxin leaned against a nearby table, her smirk faint but teasing. "Sounds like a lot of work for one person. Ever think about hiring help?"
Vila shot her a flat look. "No."
"Figures," Yuxin muttered, though there was a hint of respect in her tone.
Ruka stepped forward tentatively, her dark greenish hair catching the soft light. "Loneliness, I'm pretty much familiar with it."
Vila turned to her, her expression unreadable. "Loneliness is a small price to pay. Compared to what I've lost, it's nothing."
Blanche exchanged a glance with Yuxin, her resolve clear. "Then let us help you, Vilaphine. Even if it's just for now."
The elf regarded her silently, her blond hair catching the glow of the etched map. Finally, she spoke, her tone as calm as ever. "Help if you want. Just don't expect anything in return."
Yuxin grinned. "Deal. But don't blame us when we actually make your life easier."
The group lingered near the carved map, the faint light illuminating the intricate etchings. Ruka, her curiosity piqued, turned to Vilaphine.
"How old are you, Vilaphine?" she asked softly, her dark greenish hair falling over her face.
Blanche and Yuxin glanced at Ruka, momentarily surprised by the question, but they didn't interrupt.
Vila, standing with her usual calm demeanor, responded without hesitation. "115 years old.", The elf simplistically glanced over everyone else, taking a closer look at their dumbfounded expression, a small tuck on her lips indicating a smile.
Blanche blinked, processing the number. "You're... what?"
Yuxin nearly choked on her words. "115?! You've got to be kidding me."
Vila raised an eyebrow, her face betraying no emotion. "No. Why would I?"
Ruka nodded thoughtfully. "That's normal for elves. Lifespans are much longer than humans. But still, 115... that's significant."
Blanche and Yuxin exchanged a glance, their surprise slowly giving way to awkwardness.
"So," Yuxin said, rubbing the back of her neck. "Should we be calling you 'ma'am' now? Or maybe 'Elder Chief Vilaphine'?"
Blanche nodded, her tone slightly hesitant. "It doesn't feel right to speak so casually anymore."
Vila's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone flat but resolute. "It does work that way for some elves. But I'm not old. I'm considered young. Straight up 'Vila' would work just fine."
Yuxin smirked despite herself. "Young, huh? Sure doesn't feel that way."
"I don't care how it feels," Vila replied evenly. "Address me however you wish. I don't have time for formalities."
Blanche suppressed a small smile, finding Vila's matter-of-fact attitude oddly endearing. "Very well. If that's what you prefer."
Yuxin shrugged, her grin widening. "Fine by me, Gramps."
Vila didn't respond to the tease, though her silence seemed deliberate.
Ruka, still fascinated by Vila's revelation, murmured, "It's amazing. You've seen so much, experienced things we can't even imagine."
Vila gave her a sidelong glance. "Absolutely. But time isn't as valuable as you think. It passes, no matter what you do with it."
Blanche folded her arms, her thoughtful expression returning. "Even so, your perspective is invaluable. We'll respect it, no matter how casual—or formal—you want things to be."
After a long explanation of Vila's purpose, Myrdvawein's existence, and her thorough journey all the way from where the incident happened, they finally could see the truth and honesty behind the elf's words. It doesn't hint at any sort of lies, or even the meaning of deceit that could pull Blanche, Yuxin, and Ruka, possibly into a trap of anyone's game.
The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the clearing as Blanche turned to Vilaphine.
"Vila," Blanche began, her tone calm but firm, "I think you should come with us to Asterblume Academy."
Vilaphine raised an eyebrow, her stoic face unchanging. "You think I belong there?"
Blanche nodded. "You're strong, capable, and you have so much to offer. The academy could be a place where you can make a difference—and maybe find a purpose beyond this forest."
Before Vila could respond, Yuxin interjected, her voice sharp. "Absolutely not."
Blanche turned to Yuxin, frowning. "Why not?"
Yuxin crossed her arms, her shadows curling at her feet. "Because it's a terrible idea. Do you have any idea what people will say if you bring an elf into the academy? They'll treat her like an outcast, or worse."
Blanche's expression hardened. "That's their problem, not hers. The academy is supposed to be a place for growth and learning, not prejudice."
"And what about us?" Yuxin snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "Do you think the other students will just let this slide? They already look down on me, Blanche. Do you really think I need more reasons for people to talk behind my back?"
"This isn't about you," Blanche said quietly.
Yuxin's eyes flashed. "Of course it is! You're dragging us into your idealistic mess without thinking about the consequences. If she goes to the academy, it'll make things worse—for her, for you, and especially for me."
Ruka, standing silently at the edge of the group, shifted nervously but didn't speak.
Blanche took a deep breath, her voice steady. "I'm not asking you to agree, Yuxin. I'm asking you to trust me. Vila deserves the chance to choose her path."
Yuxin scoffed, turning away. "This isn't trust. This is you forcing your ideals on everyone else. If you want to play savior, fine. But don't expect me to be part of it."
Blanche stepped forward, her tone softening. "Yuxin, I'm not trying to force anything. I just—"
"Enough," Yuxin snapped, cutting her off. "Do what you want, Blanche. But I'm done. I'm not sticking around to watch you ruin everything."
Without another word, Yuxin turned on her heel and stalked away, her shadows trailing behind her like an ominous cloak.
Blanche watched her go, her expression a mix of frustration and sadness. She turned back to Vila, who stood silently, her golden eyes unreadable.
"I'm sorry," Blanche said softly. "This wasn't how I wanted things to go."
Vila's voice was calm but distant. "Humans argue too much."
Blanche gave a faint, wry smile. "Sometimes. But this isn't the end. Yuxin will come around. I just need to give her time."